Dravid declares T20WC decision on dube| Hardik opponent’s
Did India’s head coach Rahul Dravid find Dube’s all-around skills impressive during the tryout process for the final World Cup squad?
Can India find a replacement for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya before the T20 World Cup in June? was one of the most important concerns that India had to solve. India has never had the benefit of having an abundance of talented all-round fast bowlers. When the renowned Kapil Dev hung his boots in 1994, the void grew even wider. In the ensuing twenty years, several players grew weary in that role.
Others also had success, but until Hardik’s rise to prominence, no one was able to perform the job reliably over an extended period of time. The all-rounder, who made his debut in white-ball cricket in 2016, has won matches. But his battle with a back injury cost India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and his absence from the 2023 ODI World Cup final because of an ankle twist left the team unbalanced.
In the three-match series against Afghanistan, India brought back Shivam Dube in an attempt to find a capable backup for Hardik. The 30-year-old was originally called up for the home series against Australia in November of last year, but he was the only player to miss all five games. He had made his debut in 2019 under similar circumstances. Before being summoned back for India’s last assignment before the T20 World Cup in June, he had been dropped for the tour of South Africa.
After a brilliant run for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 Indian Premier League, Dube was called up to the national squad. The Mumbai all-rounder then went on to replicate his amazing form at the bat against Afghanistan, taking down spinners in a similar manner on his way to two consecutive match-winning fifties. In addition to taking two wickets in three games, the right-arm bowler Dube was voted Player of the Series in India’s 3-0 victory over Afghanistan.
Did India’s head coach Rahul Dravid find Dube’s all-around skills impressive during the T20 World Cup audition? The legend from India stayed silent on the possibilities, but he did say he was happy to see “improved” Dube.
“He has certainly put his hand up and said, ‘Look, here I am and these are the skills I possess, and if you are looking for something like that, I have got this ability,'” Dravid stated following the show. “Those middle overs against spin really showed us that he has some really good ability.” with the ball as well. In addition to learning that bowling in a venue like Bangalore can be really harsh, he delivered some excellent overs.
If Dube can avoid injuries, Hardik will be the starting all-rounder for the World Cup regardless of how well he plays in the IPL in 2024. However, Dube’s recent achievements would undoubtedly relieve India to have a strong backup plan.
Explosive Batting Talent
Shivam Dube’s explosive batting talent has been on full display in recent matches. His ability to accelerate the scoring rate quickly and play impactful innings makes him a valuable asset in the middle-order. Dube’s aggressive approach and clean striking ability have earned him praise from experts and fans alike.
Boundary-clearing Abilities against Spinners
One aspect that sets Shivam Dube apart is his ability to clear boundaries against spinners. His skill in maneuvering the ball and finding gaps in the field allows him to consistently score boundaries, even against quality spin bowling. This versatility makes him a valuable asset in challenging conditions where spinners play a significant role.
Medium-fast Bowling Skills
In addition to his batting prowess, Shivam Dube’s medium-fast bowling skills add depth to his all-round abilities. With the ability to bowl at a decent pace and provide breakthroughs, Dube offers a versatile option in the bowling department. His bowling skills, coupled with his batting prowess, make him a valuable asset for the team and increase his chances of securing a spot in the T20 World Cup squad.
Dube and Pandya in the Indian Squad
Zaheer Khan emphasizes the importance of having a backup option for Hardik Pandya, considering his injury concerns. Dube’s recent performances have showcased his potential to fill that role effectively. Khan believes that if the team management wants to utilize a sixth bowling option, both Pandya and Dube can make it into the T20 World Cup squad.
Dube’s Six-hitting Ability
Zaheer Khan highlights Dube’s ability to hit sixes consistently, which adds a significant dimension to his game. In the T20 format, where boundaries play a crucial role, Dube’s power-hitting skills can be a game-changer. Khan draws parallels between Dube’s big-hitting style and the impact Yuvraj Singh had during his prime, suggesting that Dube possesses the potential to make a similar impact for the Indian team.
Importance of Power-hitting in Middle Overs
Zaheer Khan emphasizes the need for power-hitting in the middle overs, especially in tournaments like the T20 World Cup. He explains that when the fielding restrictions ease after the powerplay, the ability to hit boundaries becomes vital to maintain a competitive run rate. Dube’s power-hitting skills make him a valuable asset in such situations, allowing the team to regain momentum and put pressure on the opposition.
Conclusion
Shivam Dube’s recent performances and all-round abilities have generated significant discussion about his potential inclusion in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. Experts like Aakash Chopra and Zaheer Khan have expressed their confidence in Dube’s capabilities, highlighting his power-hitting skills, versatility, and potential as a sixth bowling option. As the T20 World Cup approaches, the team management will carefully consider Dube’s performances and contributions, ultimately determining whether he will be a part of the Indian squad for this prestigious tournament. With his explosive batting talent and medium-fast bowling skills, Dube certainly presents a strong case for his inclusion in the team.
